Friday, May 11, 2012

Hawaii National Park, HI
– Two
adventurous programs offered by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will introduce a
captivating landscape, biodiversity and history of the park’s southernmost section
to intrepid hikers.

People
and Land of Kahuku is a two-mile, three-hour expedition
through pastures, a quarry, an airstrip and the 1868 lava fields of Kahuku.
Rangers will explain how people lived on the vast Kahuku lands, from the
earliest Hawaiians through today. Walk in emerging native forest, hear about
Kahuku’s history of violent earthquakes and eruptions and the residents who
survived them, and find out how Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park plans to
restore the native ecosystem and protect Kahuku’s cultural sites.

The
hike is offered May 19, June 3, July 15, and Aug. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Meet near the Kahuku gate, which is
located off Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71 on the mauka side of the
highway. Park and meet inside the gate near the ranch buildings. Boots,
raingear and long pants are recommended. No advance registration is required.

Kīpuka‘akihi is a challenging 1.5 mile,
five-hour adventure to see some of the rare plants and wildlife that inhabit
this treasured kīpuka. Participants must be prepared to scramble over fallen
trees, lava rock, and slippery, wet terrain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long
pants, sunscreen and a hat. Bring raingear, garden gloves, a day pack, insect
repellent, lunch and water. This forest stewardship program provides opportunities
to help protect this rainforest by pulling up invasive kāhili
ginger and other invasive non-native plants throughout the kīpuka. Due to the
fragile nature of the region, the program is limited to 15 people and
pre-registration is required. To sign up, call (808) 985-6011.

This
expedition into Kahuku’s isolated refuge of rare plants is offered May 26, June
17, July 28 and Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet near the Kahuku gate, which
is located off Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71 on the mauka side of
the highway. Park and meet inside the gate near the ranch buildings.